Detection device, radar apparatus, detection method and detection program

Abstract

This disclosure provides a detection device, which includes an image data generation module for generating image data based on echo signals, and a target object detection module for determining an existence of a target object based on a level of the echo signal at each location of the image data for every azimuth. The target object detection module determines a continuity of the echo signals in a distance direction and an azimuth direction for every target object, and outputs an end location for each target object based on a determination result at each location, including a plurality of locations adjacent to a location determined as being a non-target object location.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)[0001]The application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-259366, which was filed on Nov. 19, 2010, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates to a detection device, method and program which detect a target object based on an echo signal, and also relates to a radar apparatus equipped with the detection device.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Typical radar apparatuses detect a target object based on an echo signal and display an image of the echo on a display module (see JP2007-333482A). More specifically, the conventional target object detection is carried out as follows, for example.[0004]The radar apparatus examines a level of the echo signals sequentially along a distance direction going from a location close to own ship toward a distant location from own ship, and stores information on continuous locations determined as hav...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The detection device can accurately detect a target object even when it is surrounded by other objects. This is helpful in identifying the exact location of the target object, regardless of its shape. For example, it can detect the true terminating location even when there are multiple echo signals.

Problems solved by technology

However, for target objects such as a target ship located inside a bay, if it is surrounded by other target objects (land, bridges, etc.), the continuity of the echo signals may break off in the distance direction, and the above conventional target object detection cannot suitably detect the target objects.

Images